Bras and Bandeaus

 

As we age there are two things that are not attractive.  Saggy boobs and cleavage.  And thanks to my daughter-in-law, I have the answer to both!  Lindsay is my go-to girl, she’s invaluable!

So let’s talk first about those girls that hang low and wiggle to and fro.  It’s bad, bad, bad, and if you’re busty like yours truly, it’s a real problem.  Let’s face it, older women have banana boobs and I have yet to see anyone of a certain age that’s perky.  It just doesn’t happen.

Do a side profile of yourself with your bra on.  The girls should sit midway between your shoulder and your elbow, but if you have an ill-fitting bra there is no way that this will happen,  There is nothing worse than saggy boobs that jiggle when you walk because your bra isn’t supporting you.  Been there, done that, but not for a few years, thanks to Lindsay’s knowledge.

Many years ago Oprah addressed the problem, she sang the praises of Wacoal bras and how wonderful they were.  I bought really pretty Wacoal’s, but they were pricey and didn’t give me any more support than what I had been wearing, so I went back to the samo Lily of France, Olga, etc.

Then Linds told me about Wacoal Sports Bras.  Oh, how do I describe these bras,  they’re industrial strength, they hoist you up, they smash you down, they’re amazing.   New ones always fit tight for a short time, you have to break them in like a new pair of jeans.  At first, you may think they are too tight and they’re uncomfortable, just give it a few days and they will be fine.

Okay, so you’re looking at this picture and you’re thinking, “but they’re not pretty.”  Nope, but they do the trick, can’t you tell by looking at this how much support they have?  Look at the back and the way the straps adjust, they have hooks that slide into little pockets in the fabric, it works great.  The front is seamless, it looks smooth under your clothes and they come in black and blue iris, as well as the nude that is shown.  They cost $65 and trust me, it’s money well spent!  I went to my local Dillards to be measured and if you’re interested in these, be measured (Nordstroms has great bra fitters if you have one close to you) or you can do it yourself from their website.  I’ll post links below.  I bet you don’t wear the size you think you do, either and it is shocking when you find out what your real size is.  These bras are also cut high, they don’t show cleavage which brings me to my next point.

Cleavage… showing cleavage when you're older is not attractive, period!  We’re no longer firm, we have age spots and skin like saran wrap, cleavage doesn’t look sexy on older women.  We had our day, so leave that look to the younger ladies, do everyone a favor and cover it up.

Since this Wacoal Sports Bra is high cut, you can see from the picture that it’s a real problem with v-necked tops in the summertime.  I always wear v-necks and scoop necks because they balance out my face and chest.  This brings me to the other problem, what to wear over this bra so it doesn’t show with lower cut tops.

Unfortunately a lot of us of a certain age have the shape of a fire hydrant with breasts.  The last thing we need is to add more bulk by putting a tank top underneath our scoops and v-necks.  It adds even more thickness to your waist and it’s hot and it’s clingy.  Silky cami’s aren’t the answer either, they don’t look right with knits, and if you buy a knit cami, you have the same problem you have with the tanks.  At one point I even tried the “as seen on tv” clip on triangles that you hook to the front of your bra, what a disaster that was, I should have known that wouldn’t work.

I was talking about this a couple of weeks ago with Linds, telling her how I’m always tugging on my top so my bra doesn’t show, and she told me the answer was to buy bandeaus.  I didn’t quite get that, since bandeau’s are those cute little strapless bra tops the younger girls wear, but she told me to buy them and put them over my bra.  Then she gave me a link for Groupon for a package of 6 for $32.  I ordered them Monday, they arrived by Friday and let me tell you, once again she knew what she was talking about.  Good price, good quality and good colors.  Works for me...

They come with padding, which is the last thing I  needed, so it took it out.  There is a tiny little hole in the side that you just pull it through.  They come in regular and plus size, of course you know what size I bought, and I took one for a spin yesterday underneath my v-neck knit shirt.  Whoo-hoo, they’re comfy, they don’t move around and they gave me the look I wanted underneath my top!  

I always share the good stuff with you, ladies and I always tell it like it is.  Maybe you, too could benefit from a Wacoal Sports Bra and a package of bandeaus.  Just sayin..  ~ Jan

Now for the links, I know you want them :-)

Wacoal Sports Bra Style #855170

Wacoal How To Measure

Groupon Bandeaus

#855170

Citracal Slow Release 1200

Oh the joys of aging.  My bone density scan showed that my hips were in the peri osteoporosis zone.  My spine was fine and my hips aren’t that bad yet, but...

So I  discussed options with my doctor, I didn’t really want to take Fosamax or Binosta due to possible problems with reflux, so he suggested that I take Provia, the new drug that you have injected twice a year.  

My first red flag was that he didn’t administer it, I had to have an oncologist do it.  So I made an appointment, came home and started reading.  Well, let me tell you, the side effects scared the holy beejus out of me.   And it wasn’t just a few women, it was a lot of women who said to stay away from this.  It’s in your system for six months, over and over again people were reporting trouble breathing, intense jaw and back pain, muscle aches, nausea, blisters, itching, swelling of the face, low energy.  Sometimes symptoms didn’t show up for a month or two, the comments were so negative, it was frightening.

So, the closer to the appointment I got, the more wary I was, and finally decided this just wasn’t for me.  The one thing I’ve learned in life is to listen to my gut, and my gut was telling me not to do this!

So what to do?  You only can absorb 400mg of calcium at a time, and at our age we need 1200mg a day, and I’m the worst at remembering to take pills multiple times during the day.  So yesterday, I Googled time release calcium, and up popped this Citracal Slow Release 1200.  Just what I needed, so I was offf to CVS, they didn’t have it, Walgreens, they didn’t have it either.  Amazon has it, but it’s either an add-on to Prime or you have to buy a 3-pack of it for $40.  I checked Target online and sure enough, they had it in stock at our local store.  

80 tablets is a 40 day supply and it cost me $11 and change.  You take two in the morning, and yep, they’re horse pills, but once a day and it’s done.

Medicare only pays for bone density tests every two years, so I’m going to do my best here.  Leafy greens, salmon, yogurt, and 1200mg daily of calcium.  Weight bearing exercise is a biggie, I need to check into that and see what I can do.  Dr. Weil has good suggestions, you can access his page here.

I’m just telling all of you this because maybe some of you aren’t aware that you can get time release calcium/vitamin D/magnesium tablets, and others don’t realize that your body only absorbs small amounts of calcium at a time.  You can take a large dosage of calcium, but your body just dumps the excess in your urine.

I always say if I can help just one person, it’s worth posting.  ~ Jan

 

Summer Reading...

 

What is it about summer reading.  It’s always been such a special time for me to read, going back to my early teens when I would spend hours and hours in the Carmi public library every chance I got, so it’s no surprise that I’ve had my nose stuck in books all summer.  I’ve got some really good ones to share with you, starting with Danielle Steel’s Country.  I was such a fan of hers back in the day, and then she started grinding them out and the quality just wasn’t there.  I never gave up on her, and I’ve often been disappointed, but not with her latest book.  She’s got a winner with Country, it’s her best novel in years.  

Don’t expect anything heavy on my list, I’m strictly a light, airy romance novel kinda girl.  Mysteries aren’t my thing, bodice rippers I detest, I just like contemporary novels by familiar authors and if it’s a series, even better.  Don’t you just love series, aren’t they wonderful?  You get to know the characters and the town, and it just keeps on going, book after book after book.  For me, the best books are the ones set in a small village, or a seaside or mountain town.  My favorites are never in a city, they’re always in quaint settings.  And I know I keep saying that all of these books are excellent, and they are!  I’m not going to put the duds on my favorites list, even though I’ve had my share.  But back to the synopsis of Country...

Stephanie Adams is a devoted stay-at-home mother, married to a successful lawyer in northern California, in a dead marriage she’s stayed in for years for the sake of her children. Then, on a ski trip in Squaw Valley, her fifty-two-year-old husband dies suddenly and all bets are off. Despite her children’s grief, and her own conflicting emotions and loneliness, Stephanie tries to move on, but struggles to find herself as an independent individual after years of giving up her life for everyone else.

A spur-of-the-moment road trip and fork in the road lead her to Las Vegas, the Grand Canyon, and a chance meeting—and her whole life changes forever. She meets country music megastar Chase Taylor, who opens his whole world to her. Stephanie is no longer the same woman, and can’t be anymore. A new man. A new life. The excitement of Nashville. She discovers not only Chase, but herself. The music is bittersweet and the lyrics true in his dazzling, exotic, and honest world. As it deftly explores the complex ties between spouses, children, lovers, and friends, and dances between the past and the future, Danielle Steel’s moving novel brilliantly captures the shock of sudden loss, and the freedom it can bring. Here America’s most beloved novelist shares the enduring power of seizing the day. Carpe diem.

Robyn Carr is my very favorite author.  In the 90’s it was LaVyrle Spencer, then she retired much too early and it took years for me to find an author I liked as much, and then I found Robyn Carr.  I was a huge, huge fan of her Virgin River Series, all twenty of them, they are so good.  If you aren’t familiar with her Virgin River Series, start with Book 1 and keep on reading.  You won’t be disappointed.

Book 20 - My Kind of Christmas
Book 19 - Sunrise Point
Book 18 - Redwood Bend
Book 17 - Hidden Summit
Book 16 - Bring Me Home for Christmas
Book 15 - Harvest Moon
Book 14 - Wild Man Creek
Book 13 - Promise Canyon
Book 12 - "Midnight Confessions" (novella)
Book 11 - Moonlight Road
Book 10 - Angel's Peak
Book 9 - Forbidden Falls
Book 8 - "Under the Christmas Tree" (novella)
Book 7 - Paradise Valley
Book 6 - Temptation Ridge
Book 5 - Second Chance Pass
Book 4 - A Virgin River Christmas
Book 3 - Whispering Rock
Book 2 - Shelter Mountain
Book 1 - Virgin River

Her latest series is Thunder Point.  I’ve read all of this series so far, they’re page turners, but still not quite up to Virgin River standards, in my opinion.  Nevertheless, I really enjoyed this book.

After losing her child, Ginger Dysart was lost in grief. But since moving to Thunder Point, a small town on the Oregon coast, Ginger is finally moving forward. Her job at the flower shop is peaceful and fulfilling, and she's excited to be assisting with the Lacoumette wedding. 
In spite of her lasting heartache, Ginger is swept up in the pleasure of the occasion. But the beauty of the Lacoumette farm and the joy of the gregarious family are ruined by an unfortunate encounter with the bride's brother, Matt. Struggling with painful memories of his own, Matt makes a drunken spectacle of himself when he tries to make a pass at Ginger, forcing her to flee the scene in embarrassment. 

But when Matt shows up at the flower shop determined to make amends, what started out as a humiliating first meeting blossoms into something much deeper than either of them expected. Everyone around them worries that Ginger will end up with a broken heart yet again. But if Ginger has the courage to embrace the future, and if Matt can finally learn to let go of the past, there may still be hope for a happy ending.

If you’ve never read Mary Kay Andrews, you’re missing out!  All of her books, Savannah Blues, Savannah Breeze, Summer Rental, The Fixer Upper, and Hissy Fit, just to name a few, are hilarious.  Her latest, Beach Town, is another winner, I really enjoyed it.

Greer Hennessy is a struggling movie location scout. Her last location shoot ended in disaster when a film crew destroyed property on an avocado grove. And Greer ended up with the blame.

Now Greer has been given one more chance--a shot at finding the perfect undiscovered beach town for a big budget movie. She zeroes in on a sleepy Florida panhandle town. There's one motel, a marina, a long stretch of pristine beach and an old fishing pier with a community casino--which will be perfect for the film's climax--when the bad guys blow it up in an all-out assault on the townspeople.
Greer slips into town and is ecstatic to find the last unspoilt patch of the Florida gulf coast. She takes a room at the only motel in town, and starts working her charm. However, she finds a formidable obstacle in the town mayor, Eben Thinadeaux. Eben is a born-again environmentalist who's seen huge damage done to the town by a huge paper company. The bay has only recently been re-born, a fishing industry has sprung up, and Eben has no intention of letting anybody screw with his town again. The only problem is that he finds Greer way too attractive for his own good, and knows that her motivation is in direct conflict with his.

Will true love find a foothold in this small beach town before it's too late and disaster strikes? Told with Mary Kay Andrews inimitable wit and charm, Beach Town is this year's summer beach read!

Another favorite author, Barbara Delinsky, never fails to spin a good story.  This one was excellent, and I’m loving the fact that these books are written for older women.

Blueprints, the new novel from bestselling author Barbara Delinsky, is the story of two strong women, Caroline MacAfee, a skilled carpenter, and her daughter Jamie, a talented architect. The day after her 56th birthday, Caroline is told the network wants Jamie to replace her as the host on Gut It!, their family-based home construction TV show. The resulting rift couldn't come at a worse time.
For Jamie, life changes overnight when, soon after learning of the host shift, her father and his new wife die in a car accident that orphans their two-year-old son. Accustomed to organization and planning, she is now grappling with a toddler who misses his parents, a fiancé who doesn't want the child, a staggering new attraction, and a work challenge that, if botched, could undermine the future of both MacAfee Homes and Gut It!

For Caroline, hosting Gut It! is part of her identity. Facing its loss, she feels betrayed by her daughter and old in the eyes of the world. When her ex-husband dies, she is thrust into the role of caregiver to his aging father. And then there's Dean, a long-time friend, whose efforts to seduce her awaken desires that have been dormant for so long that she feels foreign to herself.Who am I? Both women ask, as the blueprints they've built their lives around suddenly need revising. While loyalties shift, decisions hover, and new relationships tempt, their challenge comes not only in remaking themselves, but in rebuilding their relationship with each other.

Yep, Christmas in July.  I read this last week, it was a quick, easy read and it was so good!

New York Times bestselling author RaeAnne Thayne welcomes you to Haven Point, a small town full of big surprises that are both merry and bright.

Nothing short of a miracle can restore Eliza Hayward's Christmas cheer. The job she pinned her dreams on has gone up in smoke—literally—and now she's stuck in an unfamiliar, if breathtaking, small town. Precariously close to being destitute, Eliza needs a hero, but she's not expecting one who almost runs her down with his car!

Rescuing Eliza is pure instinct for tech genius Aidan Caine. At first, putting the renovation of his lakeside guest lodge in Eliza's hands assuages his guilt—until he sees how quickly he could fall for her. Having focused solely on his business for years, he never knew what his life was missing before Eliza, but now he's willing to risk his heart on a yuletide romance that could lead to forever.

And the following I haven’t read yet, but I’m going to, I read every evening, it’s just what I do.

Jill Shalvis, another favorite author, I have a lot, don’t I?  Here’s a synopsis of her first book of the Cedar Ridge Series:

Cedar Ridge, Colorado, is famous for crisp mountain air, clear blue skies, and pine-scented breezes. And it's the last place Lily Danville wants to be. But she needs a job, and there's an opening at the hottest resort in her hometown. What has her concerned is the other hot property in Cedar Ridge: Aidan Kincaid-firefighter, rescue worker, and heartbreaker. She never could resist that devastating smile . . .

The Kincaid brothers are as rough and rugged as the Rocky Mountains they call home. Aidan has always done things his own way, by his own rules. And never has he regretted anything more than letting Lily walk out of his life ten years ago. If anyone has ever been in need of rescuing, she has. What she needs more than anything are long hikes, slow dances, and sizzling kisses. But that can only happen if he can get her to give Cedar Ridge-and this bad boy-a second chance . . .

Mariah Stewart, she’s fairly new to me, but she’s endorsed by Robyn Carr, so that’s good enough for me.  The synopsis sounds like this is going to be a winner...

Jamie Valentine is the wildly successful author of self-help books advocating transparency in every relationship. But when her widowed mother passes away unexpectedly, Jamie discovers her own life has been based on a lie. Angry and deeply betrayed, she sets out to find the truth—which may be in a small town on the Chesapeake Bay. Cutting her most recent book tour short, Jamie books a room at the Inn at Sinclair’s Point, just outside St. Dennis.

The death of Daniel Sinclair’s father forced him to take over the family inn, and his wife’s death left him a single parent of two children, so there’s little room for anything else in his life. His lovely new guest is intriguing, though, and he’s curious about the secret she’s clearly hiding. But in the end, Jamie and Dan could discover the greatest truth of all: that the search for one thing just might lead to the find of a lifetime—if you keep your heart open.

This is the second book in a new series by RaeAnne Thane, the first was Snow Cove Angel, the book I just read.

New York Times bestselling author RaeAnne Thayne brings you back to Haven Point—a place made for second chances… 
McKenzie Shaw would do anything for her hometown of Haven Point. It may be small, but it's never let her down…unlike gorgeous, infuriating Ben Kilpatrick. He was her childhood hero until he closed his family's factory, leaving the town's economy in shambles. Now his tech firm is considering opening a local facility. For Haven Point's sake, McKenzie has to grit her teeth and play nice. 

What could a town filled with painful memories ever offer Ben? Yet seeing the town through the eyes of McKenzie—its fiery young mayor—he suddenly has his answer. If only he can resolve the animosity crackling between them, Ben may have found the place where he can build ties and find healing…a place where love arrives when it's least expected.

And this is some of what I’m reading this summer.  You can find me every evening, curled up in my comfy chair with Mags on my lap and my nose stuck in an e-book. It just doesn’t get any better than this…  ~ Jan

 

 

Remove Wrinkles Without Ironing

 I saw this trick on Facebook, tried it and it works!  Hey, anything to make life easier… ~ Jan

Happy July 4th!

 Lexi is here with her parents this weekend, she’s such a cute little firecracker...

Nibbles the Duck

 

Your daily dose of cuteness.  The bond between children and animals is a wonderful thing… 

Have you had a shingles vaccine???

 

The above sign is funny, shingles is not!  Do you know that one in three people will have shingles before they die?  People that are near and dear to me have had shingles, and it’s a nasty, painful virus that can have long term repercussions.

Medicare now pays for the shingles vaccine.  I got mine recently at the pharmacy in my grocery store and it cost me under $5.   If you haven’t had your vaccination yet, just do it!  

It’s a good thing… ~ Jan

Summer Houses...

My house is a winter house, the colors are deep and warm.  But then comes summer and I would just like to paint everything white, walls, furniture, cabinets, everything, then slipcover the furniture and just enjoy.  White is so so tranquil, so fresh, so perfect...

But then winter would come and I would yearn for the warm colors, and hubby would absolutely stroke out if I was really serious about painting it all white.  I’m just dreaming *sigh*

Maybe I’ll just watch “Something’s Gotta Give” with Diane Keaton and Jack Nicholson again on Netflix.  Hands down, best summer house, EVER!

 

 

Darn, darn, darn, getting old and not being able to change things.  Putting out a few sea shells for summer is just not doing it….

Memories of a Country Garden

This morning I was out on the golf cart, enjoying the damp, cool air, and I could swear I got a whiff of fresh dill.  Then I was making a salad for lunch, and when I cut the vine away from the tomato, the smell of the stem just permeated the air.

Here I go with the nostalgia.  When I was a little girl we always had a garden, always.  Mother saved seeds, tilled her garden with a plow like the one above, then we planted and carried buckets of water daily to keep everything alive.  There was no hose to water with, no air conditioned house to cool off in after we were finished, it was hot in Southern Illinois in the summertime, but we worked early in the morning or late at night.

She always had a beautiful garden, and was so proud of it, people who visited always had to take a tour.  There were gooseberry bushes for pies, I was never a fan, those things were so sour, but she loved them.  We picked blackberries, cherries from our trees, apples, peaches, grew our own strawberries, and then the work really began.  I’ve talked before about how much she canned, I have so many of her recipes, someday I need to make her dill pickles.  The smell of that dill this morning just took me back.

Maybe that was her, reminding me of my roots and never to take for granted the conveniences I have now.

Thanks for the reality check, and the memories, mom...

Older Ladies, We're Divine...

 

Guaranteed to give you a smile this morning… ~ Jan

Joanna Gaines Magnolia Homes New Furniture Line

Fixer Upper is expanding to a furniture line!  It debuts at High Point Market in October and my lucky friend Roxie will be there and get to see it up close and personal!  "The Launch" will showcase styles of Vintage, Industrial, Modern Boho, Farmhouse and Cottage inspired collections, blended with a mix of old and new and will be showcased in a 15,000 square foot building.  

All my friends land family, including the guys,  love this show, too.   Anytime you mention it to people the response is always positive. It’s so wonderful when ordinary people, especially a young couple with a family, do well.  Talent and hard work is certainly paying off for Chip and Joanna.   I’m looking forward to seeing pictures of her furniture in October or maybe earlier if we’re privy to sneak peaks...

If you don’t follow her blog, you can subscribe here.  Love, love, love the goats!

Photo courtesy Magnolia Homes Blog

A letter to my daughter as an old woman

I saw this on Facebook this morning and just had to share.  I don’t have daughters, but I do have daughters-in-law and girlfriends.  This is a must read… ~ Jan

I had a thought yesterday that made me very sad.

I'll never know you as an old woman. 

My job as a mother is not to teach you to be an amazing kid, but to teach you to be an extraordinary adult. I want to guide you so that when you are an old woman, you will look back on your life and feel that it was well lived. 

These are the things I wish for you when you become an old woman:

When your hair turns silver and your skin turns a bit sallow, I hope that your eyes shine as brightly as they do today. (tweet this)

I hope your happy memories outweigh your worries.

I hope you dance...even if it's slowly.

I hope the world is good and that kind people surround you.

I hope you have a companion, be it a partner, a child or a friend.

I hope the mistakes you've made in life have been long forgotten and the bright spots sparkle.

I hope you found a unicorn.

I hope you celebrated every birthday with those that you love.

I hope you travelled and laughed and sang at the top of your lungs.

I hope you did work that you loved, that you helped people and that you prayed daily.

I hope you aren't in too much pain.

I hope you let your kids stay up late so that you could snuggle under the covers and tell each other secrets. I hope you have grandchildren and that they talk...constantly.

As the years pass, my greatest wish is that I taught you well. That you were able to fight when you needed to and give in when you wanted to. That you helped others and were kind to yourself. 

I hope you shine.

I know you'll shine.

And I hope. I really, really hope....that I taught you well.

 

I had a thought yesterday that made me very sad.
I'll never know you as an old woman. 
My job as a mother is not to teach you to be an amazing kid, but to teach you to be an extraordinary adult. I want to guide you so that when you are an old woman, you will look back on your life and feel that it was well lived. 
These are the things I wish for you when you become an old woman:
When your hair turns silver and your skin turns a bit sallow, I hope that your eyes shine as brightly as they do today. (tweet this)
I hope your happy memories outweigh your worries.
I hope you dance...even if it's slowly.
I hope the world is good and that kind people surround you.
I hope you have a companion, be it a partner, a child or a friend.
I hope the mistakes you've made in life have been long forgotten and the bright spots sparkle.
I hope you found a unicorn.
I hope you celebrated every birthday with those that you love.
I hope you travelled and laughed and sang at the top of your lungs.
I hope you did work that you loved, that you helped people and that you prayed daily.
I hope you aren't in too much pain.
I hope you let your kids stay up late so that you could snuggle under the covers and tell each other secrets. I hope you have grandchildren and that they talk...constantly.
As the years pass, my greatest wish is that I taught you well. That you were able to fight when you needed to and give in when you wanted to. That you helped others and were kind to yourself. 
I hope you shine.
I know you'll shine.
And I hope. I really, really hope....that I taught you well.
 

Martha Stewarts Favorite Place

Martha Stewart's summer home.  WOW!  I don’t know what I like best, the house or the ’58 Edsel.  That car was a nerd mobile back in the day, but now it’s just awesome!

 

Don’t you just love this kitchen.  So vintage and so wonderful sez me, gushing ;-)

It was featured this month in Architectural Digest, you can see more pictures and read about it here….

Grace and Frankie

I was on the fence at first with this show.  It was so sad, finding out their husbands were gay, I just felt sorry for them and  wasn’t finding the humor, but I kept watching and now I’m on episode 10 and it’s hysterical.

These ladies are funny with capital F.  It’s such good acting and I live in the moment with Jane Fonda.  I look at her body of work as an actress and she’s excellent.  The woman looks absolutely amazing for 77 years old, whatever she’s had done, it’s been great work and she must exist on lettuce leaves.

Lily Tomlin is a hoot, she’s funny, spunky, she looks so good for her age and is just perfect for her role as an aging hippie.

The guys don’t fare as well as the ladies, Martin Sheen, something about his teeth just isn’t right, it’s kind of like he has dentures that are about to fall out of his mouth.  If you watch it, you will know what I mean.  

And I'm such a fan of Netflix, no waiting for next week for another episode, you can marathon watch these shows.  It’s been renewed for a second season, and it’s so much fun to watch older actresses perform.  We don’t get many chances to do that these days.  If you haven’t seen it, give it a few episodes and see if it doesn’t reel you in as well.

 

Caitlyn, a human tragedy

First of all, let me say that I could care less what Bruce Jenner does to his body, that’s his business.  I feel sorry for the man, he can’t help this, but he’s making his business our business.

We are constantly bombarded with celebrities and the media gushing about Caitlyn.    It’s like the “cool” thing to do, talk about how wonderful this is and how beautiful “she” is.  It’s not wonderful, it’s sad and tragic and it’s painful to watch.  What about his children, they have to be horribly embarrassed by this public display of the new former dad, now mom?  And his mother?  Poor woman, to have all this played out in public, I can’t imagine.

He may feel like a woman, take hormones, enlarge his breasts, shave off his Adam’s apple, reconstruct his facial features, and eventually he will lop off his tallywacker, but he was born a man, he is just making himself into a synthetic woman.  You just can’t change Mother Nature, folks.

He’s turned this personal journey into a public debacle.  He plays to the audience, and why?  For money?  For misguided fame?  It’s such a circus, and it’s so sad for the people who are close to him.  Of course they support him, they love him, but how do you explain this to grandchildren, to older relatives who may not be so enlightened, and to future generations of his family to come.  I hope the best for this man, but despite all the changes he is still a man.  I wish he would quietly go about his life and live it like he chooses, of course that’s now impossible, but so much of this is his fault, he plays to the media.

He needs to go away,  take a sabbatical,  live in nature, pray to whomever he believes in and try to get his house in order.  And if any good can come of this, I hope that young people who struggle with gender identity can have the courage to learn from this tragedy and live their true life from an early age, instead of waiting until they are in their mid-sixties, like he did, after he’s built a family, a reputation, a distinguished career, and have it all come tumbling down like a house of cards.

Waterpik, It's a Good Thing...

You all know I share the good stuff, and even though I’m a little late jumping on the Waterpik bandwagon, this is too good to keep to myself.  Maybe some of you have thought about it but haven’t pulled the plug yet, and if you’re on the fence with this, just go for it!  And if you already use this, you’re just nodding your head and thinking, “Jan, Jan, you should have done this years ago.”  

This all started six months ago when I had my teeth cleaned and the dental tech told me that their entire office uses a Waterpik.  As she was chipping away at my plaque, I’m sure she was thinking, “this woman needs this, seriously.”  I’ve always been a consistently 2-3 times a day brusher, I floss regularly, but obviously this wasn’t enough.  I know, I know, too much information, but I’m just setting this up so hang on.

So last week was my six month appointment and this old(er) girl got an A+, with very minimal cleaning.  And why?  Because I listened to to the tech, and to my buddy V, who is also a fan of water flossing.  Shortly after that last checkup I bought this duo, the sonic toothbrush and the Waterpik and started brushing my teeth with the sonic toothbrush and then immediately rinsing thoughly with the Waterpik 2-3 times a day.  

Oh, it wasn’t fun in the beginning, my lower gums were sensitive and it hurt when the water blasted them, but after a week or so it was fine.  I quickly became a fan because your mouth feels so clean, and obviously this really works.

You can just buy the Water-Pik without the toothbrush, but it’s $70.99 well spent, in my opinion, to have this duo setup.

Think about it ladies, it really is amazing.  I should have done this years ago...

Here’s a quick link to buy from Amazon.

Temporary Credit Cards

 

 

 

This is quite possibly one of the best things I’ve found yet.  I read about temporary credit cards  and then researched it further.  This morning I called my credit card provider, Bank of America, and asked them about it.  Their customer service agent highly recommended using a temporary card for online purchases, their service is called “Shop Safe."

Here’s how it works.  First you find out if your credit card provider offers temporary credit cards, if they do, it’s available on their website after you log in.  

Then, pretend for instance that you are buying a magazine subscription online.  This is a biggie, because you can’t do it anymore without “automatic renewal.”  They give you a good rate to hook you, then next year they bump up the renewal rate and you can’t cancel it on your credit card.  But, if you use a temporary credit card, these are only good for as long as you desire, you control how long you want it to be active, whether it be 15 minutes, 15 hours, 15 days, or longer.  Then it expires after the time you set and next year when that sneaky magazine subscription tries to charge you an atrocious rate, they can’t because the credit card isn’t valid.

They have no idea that you are using a temporary credit card, this is just between you and your provider.  Pretty awesome, isn’t it.

Just sharin’ the good stuff.  ~ Jan

Fly Fishing has been on my bucket list ever since I read Mary Alice Monroe’s “Time is a River.”  And last November, for my birthday, John and Deanna gave me a fly fishing lesson in the Smoky Mountain National Park.

We went earlier this month, stayed several days in a mountain cabin, and oh, it was glorious.  The Mountain Laurel was in bloom, the Honeysuckles permeated the air and the weather cooperated.

I went for my lesson with a great guide, Charity, and when she asked me why I wanted to fly fish I told her about reading the book.  She got a big smile on her face and said that she and Mary Alice Monroe were friends, and she was the one who taught her to fly fish as research for her book.  Her name is mentioned in the book foreward, and that made the trip even more special.

And how did I do?  Remarkably well, actually, I thought I would fall on my rear in the stream, but I didn’t.  It was so beautiful, it’s indescribable, the rushing water, the rocks, the trees, the clear stream with the trout swimming, and it’s not hard to learn, either.

And yes, I actually caught a fish, John took a lesson with me, he caught a couple of them.  I would do this again in a heartbeat, it was just an amazing experience, and one I highly recommend for anyone who wants to enjoy Mother Nature and the simplicity of casting into the water.  It was just awesome… ~ Jan

Road Trippin...

 

So much to tell you, but no time.

I’ll be back, have a great and safe Memorial Day Weekend, everyone...

Fly Fishing...

Time is a River

 

Mia Landan is recovering from breast cancer in a mountain cabin near Asheville, NC, when she discovers the journal of a sensational fly fisher of the 1920s, Kate Watkins. The inspiring words of a woman she never knew finally lure Mia from her shell to connect once more with the world around her. As she learns to fish, she uncovers secrets that span generations--secrets that have the power to change no only her life, but the lives of those in her new community. 

 

 

 

I read this book a couple of years ago and the story absolutely intrigued me, so much so that I put fly fishing on my bucket list.  

Last year, for my birthday, John and Deanna gave me fly fishing lessons in the Smoky Mountains as a gift.  And now it’s about to happen.

I’ve got my gear, got my hat, and I’m going to wade fall in a mountain stream.  I’ll let you know how this all plays out.  Should be interesting ~ Jan

The Grands on Mother's Day...

 

 

Ben is in the driver’s seat.  He was two in August, at that age Miss A had no interest in driving this car.  Boys and cars, I think the fascination starts in the womb!  Can’t believe she’s letting him drive her around.  :-)

And baby granddaughter is on the move, there is no stopping her now.  She and her pretty mama are all decked out for Mother’s Day.  Miss Lexalicious has bicycles on her little dress.  They picnicked in the park.

And Grammie?  Hubby made it a special day for me, even though he kept reminding me I wasn’t his mother.  I’ve been married to this man for almost 44 years now, I know his tricks. Father’s day will be payback time.  Yep, it will...

How to grow the best tomatoes...

Want to have the best tomato plants in the neighborhood?  I have the secret...

Years ago I had a neighbor and his tomato plants were stunning, while mine were just ho-hum.  He was a sneaky old guy, when I asked him how he grew such beautiful plants, he just smiled and was evasive.  But he didn’t know who he was dealing with, I was determined to find out why he had the bushiest plants in the neighborhood.  I didn’t see him fertilizing, his soil looked normal, what was his secret?

Well, one evening he wasn’t home, and just before dark, I walked through his garden.  Yeah, I did, I wanted to find out what he was doing to grow such lush plants.  And I discovered his secret, and since I always share everything and it’s tomato planting time, here it is.

That old fart was planting two tomato plants in each hole.  It was just that simple.  So then I started doing it, and my tomatoes rivaled his.  I wonder if he ever figured out that I found his secret.  Sometimes you have to outfox the fox, darn that old man anyway...

Look who's having a birthday!!!

 

 

Our little granddaughter, Lexi is one year old today.  She’s a busy little bee, rocks her sunglasses on a regular basis, took her first trip to the beach last week, loved the sand, loved the airplane, loved the nightlife, Lexi just loves life, period.  Joie de vivre describes this child perfectly.

As Cousin Minnie Pearl would say, “She’s just so proud to be here."

Happy Birthday, sweet Lexi, Grammie will see you soon.  We’ve got a date with a cake!!!!

Revisiting the Beauty Blender +++

I blogged about my new Beauty Blender back in March.  My friend Carlene wanted to know if I still liked it after a month, if I did, she would rethink spending $20 for a sponge.  Well here I am, a month later, in my closet with wet hair and my makeup is blended.  I didn’t retouch the photo, I should have photoshopped out the wrinkles, and I’m a little wild eyed, but hopefully you can see how well this makeup is blended.

And now the verdict is in, this is hands down the best makeup tool I’ve ever purchased.  I will continue to  buy Beauty Blenders and use them daily, it’s an absolutely fantastic tool.

Here’s what I’m finding after using it for a month - 

• I’ve experimented a lot, putting dabs of foundation on my face with my finger then using the blender and smoothing, I’ve put it in my palm, then dabbed the blender in it before using it to apply it, but it was a pain.  The easiest, fastest way is to just put makeup in your hands, rub your hands together and press it all over your face, don’t rub, just press.  It’s thick and very ragged at this point, but then just take the damp blender and start blending and it works like a charm.
• I use it for powder, for concealer, just dab, dab, dab.  I don’t use it for eye shadow, but I do clean up the edges with it.  
• And how is it lasting after a month?  Great, I just wash it with a little liquid soap, squeeze the water out, and I always have it damp when I use it.
• What about staining?  It stains immediately, but it’s no biggie, it doesn’t seem to get worse, it’s just discolored.  

And last month I also blogged about Anastasia Dipbrow Pomade.

This took some getting used to for me because I’ve never had defined brows.  The trick with this is to use a light hand.  I start at the arch of my eyebrows underneath, lightly draw it to the edge, then draw the top of my brow, I’m making a frame, then fill it in lightly and brush it out so it isn’t harsh. Just use a little product, ladies, unless you want to really vamp up those eyebrows.  

And, something new I’m trying but the verdict isn’t in yet.

ELF Makeup Mist and Set - I bought this because it’s a dupe for the pricey $30 Urban Decay Makeup Mist, this one is $6.  The first time I used it I applied way too much, and my eye makeup was running down my cheeks. Of course we were getting ready to go out to dinner and I was in a panic.  Live and learn!!! I backed off the next time, now I  just give it 3-4 squirts, it seems to make makeup last and makes your skin dewy, but we’ll see what happens when the weather is warmer.

Finally, let’s talk about foundation.  Like everyone, i’ve tried so many kinds over the years, including many brands of the pricey stuff, but I’m a drugstore makeup junkie and always go back to Revlon ColorStay for Combination Skin.

This stuff has staying power, it lasts all day into the night and best of all, you don’t shine.  It stays on in heat and humidity, it never slides down my face and did I say it doesn’t shine ;).  

I was buying it locally for about $12.99, but it’s cheaper on Amazon and you don’t have to trudge through the drugstore.

Fresh Beige is such a good color, and this is an absolutely wonderful product for the price.  It was $10 the last time I ordered but they’ve dropped the price even further to $9.30.  Interested, here’s the link...

Purple Ball Jars Have Arrived...

Oh my, I think this is the best color yet.  I got mine at Target today.  Won’t they be pretty filled with fleurs this summer...

And then, of course you need a Chicken Wire Flower Frog.  

$6.99 on Amazon

Want it more rustic?  Description says this is a crackle black/red lid.

 

Here’s the rustic link

Are you cheap and want to make them yourself.  Not worth it to me for $6.99 but hey, go ahead, knock yourself out if you’re in a creative mood.

Here you go, a DIY Tutorial

I love options.  BTW, if you order from Amazon, check the width on your jar, I haven’t measured yet to see if these are for standard or wide mouth jars.  It says 3” so I’m thinking it’s for widemouth.

Enjoy!!!

~ Jan ~

Jan and Her Three Wheeled Bike

I’ve had a three-wheeled bike for years.  Mostly it’s been stored in the attic and periodically in the spring hubby will bring it down because I’ve decided once again that I will ride it.  

And today is the day, it’s time to once again discover the joys of biking triking. He got it down from the attic, which was a total feat because it’s so bulky, aired up the tires,  adjusted the seat and I was off.

Hey, it’s more fun than I remembered as I sailed down the drive.  Oh, I had forgotten how freeing it is to ride, feel the wind in your face, it’s like I’m a kid again, riding the streets of Enfield.

Through the neighborhood I go, it’s a cool day, my hair is blowing in the breeze, the birds are singing.  Boy Howdy, am I ever having fun riding down a hill.  Then the return trip begins and I have to peddle uphill.  It’s not so fun anymore, in fact it’s pure torture.  OMG, this is why the damn thing is in the attic.  My thighs are quivering, I’m panting like a racehorse, I ache all over. What made me think I wanted to ride this gadawful contraption in the first place.

It’s sitting in the garage now, glaring at me.  Hubby suggested that I might want to take baby steps, just ride it for short distances until my muscles get used to it.  Yeah right, in a pigs eye...

Egads, we don’t realize how out of shape we are until we do something like this.  Whatever made me think that I would enjoy this again at my advanced age?  Wicked contraption, that bicycle, I think it’s possessed by the devil!

It was such a fun Easter

John and Deanna brought Lexi for Easter.  It’s a busy morning but I just had to share this photo.  Is there anything more precious than a baby granddaughter visiting at Easter, all dolled up in her pretty little dress, pantaloons, ruffled socks and Mary Janes with a baby chick bow in her hair.  This child is such a gift to us, what a darling little girl she is...

You can rent goats to mow your lawn!

Amazon has this new service that allows you to rent goats to mow your lawn.  Seriously, this is no April Fools joke.  You can have them drop the goats off, then they will pick them up.  It’s called Goat Grazers and is available from Amazon Home Services.  Of course you have to live in New York, San Francisco or Seattle, so I may have to move.

I’m a huge goat lover, I would so do this just for the fun of it.  It’s great in theory but can’t see how it would actually work, what would keep the goats from running into the streets, but it will be interesting to follow.  When I read this at People Pets this morning, I thought it was a prank, and I kept scrolling down expecting to see APRIL FOOLS, but it’s not a joke. 

And last night on the evening news they say that they can use drones to herd goats.   Absolutely a . m . a . z . i . n . g !

Ginger Zee's Hair and Makeup Team

 I’m a huge fan of this pretty lady, and now she, along with her hair and makeup team, are posting daily on YouTube.  I was intrigued by the hairspray they use, Allnet by L’Oreal.  It looks like they have a can of the Strong Hold, it also comes in Extra Strong, and Extra Strong for Color Treated hair.  I had never heard of it, but Ulta stocks it,  so I’m hotfooting down to Ulta to buy it!  Hairspray that holds, and lets your hair swing,  that’s calling my name!  

This is a new YouTube Channel, only four posts so far, I subscribed this morning, it’s interesting to see what happens behind the scenes.

The Southern Woman, totally charming...

 

What is it about a Southern Woman’s voice.  It just soothes, like slow dripping honey.  When we saw Jeanne Robertson a couple of weeks ago, I once again was struck not only by her grace, but by her voice.  I think I may have lived in the deep south in another lifetime.  I like to think I’m southern, but actually my Heavensville twang is not exactly attractive, it grates rather than soothes.  

I have a daughter-in-law from North Carolina who is the quintessential Southern Woman.  It’s a lovely thing to witness, and even if you aren’t from the south, you can certainly adhere to the wonderful traits in this excerpt from Southern Charm’s website.

1. Create warmth wherever you go. Be warm and inviting in relationships, with family, at the office, in your home, in the rooms you enter. Be open and enticing rather than cool and aloof. Shower those in your presence with engaging smiles. Make everyone feel welcomed into your world. Southern hospitality is the standard by which the rest of the world is judged. That special brand of hospitality begins with tremendous warmth, openness, and the giving of one’s self.

2. Always notice everyone around you. As you walk through the mall, down the aisle at church, or along the hall-way at the office, acknowledge everyone with a nod, a smile, and a word. Don’t allow yourself to be caught up in your own world, oblivious of other people – even if they are strangers. This kind of openness is a very important part of charm. People mirror your treatment of them. If you are warm, you receive warmth in return. Coolness is reciprocated with aloofness. People respond eagerly to warmth, which enables you to get more of what you want from life because people are more willing to help you. 

3. Establish instant rapport. When introduced to someone, lean toward the person (out of your personal space and into theirs) to establish immediate intimacy. Stop a foot or so from the other person’s face, smile, establish eye contact, and say a few kind words. In the South, we hate instant potatoes, but we love instant warmth!

4. Treat everyone with equal kindness and respect. From cabdrivers to waitresses to your boss to your prospective mother-in-law. Shower them all with smiles and courtesy. Everyone, regardless of his or her position in life, deserves courtesy, respect and kind words. 

5. Be gracious, thoughtful, and always considerate of others and their feelings. It is possible to be both tough and nice. You do not have sacrifice one for the other; you must only know when to use each one. However, 98 percent of the time, nice works best.

6. Catch more flies with honey than vinegar. End of story. 

7. Be utterly feminine. Men cannot resist a feminine woman – personally or professionally. In business, men become mentors to these women, enhancing their careers and professional knowledge. Personally, they become protectors, never suspecting that the woman is the true backbone of the relationship. In the South, our secret motto is “Let him think he’s the boss, but we know who the boss really is!” Men love strong, but soft, feminine women. They are enthralled by them. They are not personally or professionally attracted to women who conduct themselves like men – especially for long-term relationships.

8. Flaunt your femininity. But don’t overdo it. 

9. In the business and social worlds, femininity is a plus, not a minus. Boldly use your femininity professionally and personally. We socially flirt at the office, wear feminine, soft clothing, and shamelessly use our feminine wiles to get what we want professionally – plum assignments, raises, and promotions. We never cross the line into inappropriateness, but we have been known to stretch it to the limits. 

10. Sassy self-confidence requires faith in yourself and your ability to achieve. Remember: Faith is like a muscle; the more you exercise it, the stronger it becomes. Use that strong faith to chase away the insidious doubts that threaten success and self-confidence. Do not forget that it is within your power to succeed or to fail. Southern women are fiercely proud and therefore staunchly geared toward success in all they do. 

11. Be spunky, not aggressive; assertive, not brash. Southern women are not timid in going after what we want, but we do it in a charming, self-assured manner, not in a rude, win-at-all-costs mode. When we get what we want, we don’t step over the scattered bodies as we make our victorious exit. We walk out with heads held high, knowing that everyone was treated ethically and respectfully. 

Read the entire Southern Charm entry here

 

 

Candace Bergen on Weight Gain

Isn’t it refreshing when a celebrity owns it.  The woman is sixty-eight years old, she’s a real woman with a real body and she stands up and says she’s fat and she loves food. She’s put on thirty pounds and she’s healthy looking, not a slave to dieting and she isn’t making excuses.  She quite simply looks her age, and that’s okay.  Good for you, Candace!

People Magazine has an article about her, but it’s the comments that are interesting, so much support for this lovely lady.  Of course there are  critics, that’s to be expected, but so many people only have positive things to say.  Every woman has her day and eventually age is going to get all of us.  Sometimes we just need to enjoy the ride and not spend every waking moment obsessing about what we do or don’t eat. I just thought it was courageous that this lovely lady has the guts to address an issue that dogs all of us.

I especially like what this woman has to say:

"Don't think she really qualifies as FAT, but good for her! She's 68 for pete's sake. At that age, why spend the rest of your life counting every calorie and fretting over what other people think. I've never heard of anyone on their death bed saying "I'm sure glad I didn't eat the ice cream......."

Here’s the article and more importantly, scroll down for the comments...

John Boos Butcher Block

Fifteen years ago I bought a John Boos Butcher Block, just like the one above but smaller (18x18”).  When we moved to the condo  I decided we didn ’t have room, but that was before I took down my wall of upper cabinets. (link to that post here).  I loved that butcher block, thought it was the coolest thing ever and I’ve regretted many, many times that I got rid of it.   

Hubby and I both are in the kitchen cooking, since we share duties, and I have so much crap all over my counters that space is really limited.  Oh what I wouldn’t give for a center island, but there is just no room.  So on a whim, I had him take a bar stool, build a mock-up butcher block around it, and we left it in the kitchen for a few days, worked around it and decided that it just might work for us since we don’t have all those upper cabinets anymore and our kitchen doesn’t seem so closed in.  We measured and calculated and determined that the 18x24” size would be much better, we had the required three ft. of space needed to open the stove and the dishwasher, and so the search began.

Now all of you know that I love a deal, and there was none to be had for these butcher blocks. John Boos is the Cadillac, the best of the best with a price tag to go along with it.  Prices ranged all the way for $699 to $800, websites threw in free shipping, but it was still a major expense.

I finally found a place in Rapids City Iowa called Rapids Wholesale that offered the same butcher block at wholesale price for $388, and their site said free shipping except for furniture.  So I called them up, knowing it was too good to be true, and sure enough it was, they considered the butcher block furniture and the shipping charges were atrocious, $150 to ship, and an additional $50 to drop ship to residential addresses.  Grrrrr, that good deal was now going to cost me $588, still a lot cheaper than the other websites, but…..

So hubby got online, realized that John Boos manufactured these blocks in Effingham, Il, a mere two hours drive from Heavensville.  Boy Howdy, that was doable, so I called Rapids Wholesale back and asked them if I could pick it up.  “Sure” they said, that’s not a problem.  And then I asked them if I had to pay tax.  “Nope” since I paid online, it was tax exempt.  I whipped out that credit card faster than a New York minute and ordered it for $388.  They had to build it, it took a few days, and they called me and told me when  we could pick it up.

So a couple of weeks ago on a bright, sunny Friday morning we took off for Effingham.  We had the nicest day, picked up the butcher block, stopped at antique shops, went to a great little lunch place, it was all good.  And in the back of my mind I’m wondering how that butcher block is going to work in my small kitchen.

I aso bought this cutting board, it works great for my measuring spoons.  I really like this idea I found on Pinterest of separating your measuring spoons in small Ball jars, it’s so much easier to grab what you need that rummaging around for the right size spoon.

My buddy V has been eyeing up this 18” beauty.  Pioneer Woman gives it away occasionally, but it’s really spendy, $179 on Amazon.  Ouch, I only had to pay $20 for mine.  I wish I would have known, I would have checked prices in their store, I’m thinking it would have been a lot less than they sell them for on Amazon.  But back to my story...

We’re back home, LC had to call his buddy, Juzar, to help him unload this because it weighed 160 lbs., they brought it in, set it up, I angled it because I angle everything, and you know what, it’s perfect!  I love it!!!!

I rubbed it down with Beeswax and Mineral oil cream that John Boos gave me, refrained from decorating it, except for the tomato cutting board.  I know, it’s a butcher block, why don’t I cut on it?  I don’t want to screw up that nice finish, and we use it constantly.

We got quite an education at the John Boos retail store.  They’ve been making these butcher blocks since 1887, they had one in the showroom from the 1930’s and they still look the same.  Mother had a round one that she bought from an old grocery store years ago, it was always in my kitchen when the boys were growing up and now it’s in Ryan’s basement.  John bought a large rectangle one years ago, it’s in his garage, it seems that the love of butcher blocks runs deep in our family.  Someday I hope they will be able to use theirs, at least they are hanging on to them.  

John Boos has expanded their line greatly, now even Williams-Sonoma sells them.  When Deanna and I were shopping in Nashville a couple of months ago, we saw this Gathering Block at their Williams-Sonoma, except with  mustard yellow legs.  Oh my, it’s fantastic, I loved it but it’s too big for my kitchen.  

I’m really a happy girl with the one I got,  just had to share this, and if anybody is in driving distance of Effingham, Il, you can order from Rapid City and get a heck of a deal.  And I know, I know, I can’t cram one . more . piece . of . furniture . into . my .  house.  ~ Jan